Blake Dean Has Enjoyed a Sensational LSU Career
On a hot, sweltering May afternoon before another grueling practice in the heat of the day in Alex Box Stadium, a familiar sound echoes from the hallway between the LSU locker room and dugout. A jubilant whistling followed by an a capella rendition of Alabama’s “Dixieland Delight” becomes clearer and clearer as Blake Dean emerges from the dark hallway.
“Spend my dollar/ parked in a holler/’neath the mountain moonlight,” Dean bellows. He actually carries the tune quite well.
“Blake is always making you laugh, or trying to cheer you up in some way,” teammate and fellow senior Matt Gaudet explained. “If you ever hear a song being sung really loudly, or if you hear some kind of animal noise, when you turn around you know it’s going to be Blake.”
“He does a perfect firework impression,” teammate Micah Gibbs said of Dean. “He can do any firework you ask him to, the whistling part, the explosion, everything. He’s always just chirping about something. It’s usually nonsense, but it’s pretty funny. It keeps us loose for sure.”
“I like to go out there and have fun and make people relax, sometimes guys get too stiff,” Dean said. “I try to do what I can to get them relaxed, whether it’s making them laugh or singing.
“If you’re not enjoying yourself then you’re missing the point. Obviously, getting the job done is important, but it’s just as important to enjoy what you’re doing.”
Dean’s fun-loving attitude and seemingly effortless approach to the game are his keys to success. His secret isn’t found in a superstition or some meticulous routine. He doesn’t take the game too seriously, and that’s what has made him one of the best players to ever wear an LSU uniform.
“It’s just who I am. It’s hard for me to take things seriously,” Dean admits. “I know there are times where I need to be serious, but it’s all about staying relaxed. You do need confidence and a good work ethic, but sometimes people try to do too much.
“A lot of times you just need to let the game happen and take care of itself. You always need to enjoy what you’re doing; otherwise it’s just a job.”
Dean hasn’t had much trouble getting the job done in his four years at LSU. In that span, he’s been named First-Team All-American, First-Team All-SEC, Louisiana Hitter of the Year, Freshman All-SEC, and has won two SEC Tournament titles and of course the national championship. In addition to his awards and accomplishments, Dean’s name has ascended in the record books, and he now sits in the top five all-time at LSU in home runs, hits, runs batted in and doubles.
After being selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 10th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft, it was unclear last summer if Blake Dean would return for his senior season. With all the accolades and championships already under his belt, it wasn’t like Dean had any unfinished business, at least not on paper. His decision to stay was more of a personal thing, and he wasn’t quite ready to make baseball a job just yet.
“It was a combination of a few things,” Dean said. “I’ve always wanted to play a position. I wanted people to know I was more than just a hitter and I could succeed at a position. The decision to have surgery on my arm had a lot to do with it too. Also, I didn’t know if I was ready to leave this place yet and go do something that is more of a job rather than something I enjoy.”
His decision to stay brought with it new opportunities. Instead of a transient outfielder or “just a hitter,” Dean finally got the opportunity to be a permanent fixture for the Tigers defensively, this time as the first baseman.
The move to first base wasn’t by default. In fact, LSU head coach Paul Mainieri said at the beginning of the season that Dean at first base was a natural fit. With only one error this season, it seems Dean would agree.
“I think I have made a pretty good impact at first base this year,” Dean said. “I’ve played it as best as I possibly could. I feel comfortable there now, and hopefully it will help me in the future as far as my options and versatility as a player.”
Dean’s versatility extends beyond his defensive prowess and power-hitting numbers. This season, Dean is a finalist for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS award, which awards one senior baseball player in the nation for showing outstanding virtue in competition, character, community and classroom.
There’s going to be a lot to remember about Blake Dean when he leaves LSU. His teammates will remember his sense of humor. His coaches will remember how he played the game the right way. The writers and baseball gurus will remember his outstanding offensive numbers and his place in the LSU record books. Fans will probably remember how he came through in the clutch time and time again, like with a double off the wall to beat Rice in the 2008 College World Series or a walk-off home run in the 2008 SEC Tournament against South Carolina. Those are Dean’s favorite memories, and that’s how he wants to be remembered.
“When a big situation came up and I was at the plate, I’d like to think everyone sitting in those seats and in that dugout had not even the slightest doubt in their mind that I was going to get the job done,” Dean said. “If there was ever a situation where a big hit was needed, I wanted to be the first guy to pop into every person’s mind.”
After four years of coming through in countless clutch situations, you are that guy, Blake.